Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucia Marinelli.
Hi Lucia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Milan, Italy — a city that taught me creativity, determination, and style. Ten years ago, I made one of the most courageous choices of my life: I left everything behind and moved to Miami with nothing but a dream, faith, and my Italian heart. Starting from zero in a new country wasn’t easy. I faced challenges, loneliness, and sacrifices, but I always believed that love, passion, and hard work could turn every obstacle into a new beginning.
My journey began with a dream called “Made in Italy,” a food truck I founded to bring the authentic flavors of my homeland to the streets of Miami. It was more than just food — it was a way to share my culture, create memories, and connect with people through something real. Soon after, Juan joined me in this adventure, sharing the same passion and vision. Later, my son Michael also became part of the project, bringing his creativity and energy. Together, we built not just a brand, but a family story of resilience, love, and teamwork.
Over time, our vision grew. I wanted to help other small businesses find their place, just like I once did. That’s how “East Coast Marketplace” was born — a company dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs and creating events that celebrate community, creativity, and connection.
Now, after years of hard work, Juan and I are opening what we believe will be one of the most beautiful markets in Miami: the Margaret Pace Park Farmers Market, launching on November 9th. It’s not just a market — it’s a celebration of life and community. It will bring fresh and organic food to local families, offer space for small vendors to grow, and include live music, yoga classes, charity activities, and even pet adoptions. It’s a dream come true and a way to give back to the city that welcomed me when I had nothing but hope.
Alongside this, I founded “Miami Business Hub” — a platform that helps international entrepreneurs, especially from Italy and Europe, start or grow their business in the United States. With a network of professionals and an operational branch in Texas, we guide people step by step, helping them launch their projects, expand their brands, and build their American dream.
For me, all these projects — Made in Italy, East Coast Marketplace, Miami Business Hub, and now the Margaret Pace Park Farmers Market — share the same mission: to help others grow, connect, and believe in themselves. My journey is proof that dreams don’t belong to the lucky — they belong to the brave. And I hope my story inspires others to follow their own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. Moving to a new country alone was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My whole family is in Italy, and for many years I carried that deep feeling of distance — missing home, traditions, and the everyday warmth of family life. There were moments when I felt completely alone, trying to build everything from zero in a place where I had to learn, adapt, and survive.
When I started “Made in Italy,” nothing came easy. There were long nights, unexpected breakdowns, financial stress, and moments of doubt — but also the determination to never give up. Step by step, Juan and I turned every obstacle into experience, every difficulty into strength. Having him by my side made the journey lighter and more meaningful.
Later, when my son Michael came to Miami to join me, it brought back something I had missed for so long — that sense of family, of home, that gives you energy to keep going. His presence reminded me why I started everything: to build something real, to create a better future, and to keep growing. My daughter Nicole still lives in Milan, and even though the distance is not easy, we stay deeply connected. Family love is what gives me strength every single day.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road — but it’s been a road full of lessons, love, and resilience. Every challenge has made me stronger, and every small victory reminds me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about East Coast Marketplace ?
I’m the founder of both Made in Italy Food Truck and East Coast Marketplace LLC. My journey started with Made in Italy, a wood-fired pizza and burger food truck that I created from scratch to bring the true taste of Italy to Miami. It quickly became more than just a food business — it became a way to connect with people, share my culture, and build a community around authentic food and passion.
As time went by, my vision expanded. I wanted to create something that could help other small businesses grow the same way I did. That’s how East Coast Marketplace was born — a company that organizes farmers markets and community events across Miami to support local entrepreneurs and bring people together.
What I love most about my work is seeing the impact — families spending their Sundays together, small vendors turning their dreams into reality, and communities reconnecting through food, music, and positive energy.
Our newest project, the Margaret Pace Park Farmers Market, opening on November 9th, represents everything I believe in: community, creativity, and heart. For me, my work is not just a business — it’s a mission to make people feel inspired, supported, and part of something beautiful.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Everything I’ve built — from East Coast Marketplace, where we support local entrepreneurs and build community through markets and events, to Miami Business Hub, a platform that helps international (especially Italian/European) brands and entrepreneurs establish themselves in the U.S. — comes from passion, courage, and the desire to help others grow. I’m now expanding both projects, and I’m always looking for new collaborators, vendors, or team members who want to join this journey. If you feel this message speaks to you, I’d love to connect. My door is always open to dreamers, creators and doers who believe that together we can build something truly beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eastcoastmarketplace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/east.coastmarketplace?igsh=bmpoYmRzczZwbng%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdxTp88YX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lucyangelchannel?si=uCsMQ4dfpMIKgDvC
- Other: https://themiamibusinesshub.com/
